Agenda Profile: Arvo Aller
Inquiry regarding the explosively grown cormorant population (no. 725)
2025-04-14
15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political focus is currently on managing and reducing the explosively growing cormorant population, which has become a significant environmental and economic issue. The speaker strongly advocates for active mitigation measures, including authorizing lethal deterrent hunting, specifically to protect Estonian nature and fish stocks. Raising this question with the minister demonstrates political consistency and a results-oriented approach.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound expertise regarding the cormorant population, ecological damage, and economic impact. Specific statistical data is used concerning population growth (e.g., 15,000 pairs, 30,000 birds), and the economic impact is calculated (30 tons of fish per day). This expertise encompasses both the description of environmental damage ("lifeless areas") and control methods ("lethal deterrent hunting").
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style adopted is serious and concerned, highlighting both the urgency and the sheer scope of the problem (referred to as "a big problem"). The argument relies heavily on facts and a statistical description of the damage incurred, aiming to justify the necessity of swift intervention measures. Figurative language is also employed (e.g., "only the frames, figuratively speaking, are left") to vividly illustrate the environmental damage.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker exhibits a consistent pattern of action, noting that an inquiry was submitted to the previous minister already a month ago. This highlights a commitment to resolving the issue, regardless of the turnover of ministers or the change in the ministry's designation. This course of action is focused on demanding concrete answers and solutions from the government.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition is aimed at the government's or ministry's current failure to act, or the prohibitions that prevent the management of the cormorant population. The criticism is policy and procedure based, specifically questioning why lethal deterrent hunting in the spring has not been allowed, even though the damage is extensive.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The submission of an inquiry by multiple individuals ("we submitted the inquiry") indicates cooperation among colleagues. Communication with the minister is formal and respectful ("Dear Minister!"), focusing on obtaining answers and solutions through eight questions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is directed towards Estonia's water bodies and coastal areas, highlighting the damage in the Pärnu County region of the Gulf of Riga, the Väinameri Sea, and Lake Võrtsjärv. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of protecting local coastal fishermen, recreational anglers, and the residents and businesses situated along these water bodies.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives emphasize the protection of the interests of the fishing industry, professional fishermen, and entrepreneurs, as cormorants cause significant damage due to reduced output. Intervention is supported to mitigate the financial loss, which is estimated at 30 tons of fish per day.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
There is not enough data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is directed toward submitting a formal inquiry (interpellation) to the minister, containing eight questions, in order to initiate action for the management of cormorants. The specific priority is achieving a regulatory amendment that would permit lethal deterrent hunting in the spring for the protection of fish stocks.
2 Speeches Analyzed